Change and Transition
Moving through the process of reconfiguration is not easy. The Diocesan Transition Committee will be providing the pastors with information, and the pastors will in turn provide their parishioners with the helpful information.
Change is inevitable and takes time to assimilate in our personal and spiritual lives, it is often accompanied by feelings of fear, anger and sadness. All of us prefer constancy, often confusing it with security.
Dr. Richard McCorry in his book entitled, “Dancing with Change: A spiritual Response to Changes in the Church” suggests that we can turn to the Paschal Mystery for understanding.
The beginning, which in the reconfiguration process is really the end of something, is reminiscent of Good Friday.
The middle, which is often the most difficult and unstable time, is when feelings of grief need to be expressed and addressed. It is the time of “not yet” when the new has not yet taken place and can be likened to Holy Saturday.
And the end, which is truly the beginning of something brand new, is of course compared to Easter Sunday.
To reach our full potential as Church – People of God in the Diocese of Camden- it is therefore essential that we navigate through this process as best we can. With that goal in mind, what do we need to be aware of?
We must grieve the old before we can accept the new! This requires: naming the loss, acknowledging the feelings evoked from the loss, and expressing the hopes and desires for the future.
WHAT MAY IMPEDE THE PROCESS OF GRIEVING?
Denial – the inability to face the loss. This can take the form of not engaging in any steps of the process.
Anger – this is often observed in resistance; organized or not, group or individual. Often people get stuck in this stage, and some will consider leaving. Stifling our feelings will delay the process and make it more explosive. Strong, inspirational leaders are needed who can help in navigating this process and feelings.
Some may feel forced into the new.
Some may see it as a loss of control
Some may feel their very identity is threatened (especially those who see their parish as a building and not as a community.
Some may already be under stress from their work, personal relationship and/or issues in their life. These things can hamper their ability for the resilience necessary in this process.
Fear of the unknown.
Past experiences of loss that have either not been resolved or feel similar to this loss, often resulting in “piggyback grief.” THESE FEELINGS CAN BE TRUE OF PASTORS AS WELL AS OF PARISHIONERS Next: Ways of Coping
WAYS OF COPING FOR PARISHIONERS
1. Personal and communal Prayer
2. Scripture reading and meditation from both the Old and New Testament stories related to change and struggle. Also, as a Church of Hope, our own history is full of stories of trial, struggles and change.
3. Journaling – a means of expression for many
4. Sacred/Secular music and/or art; exercise or any positive coping mechanism that has worked in the past.
5. Self-Awareness – how have individuals dealt with difficult times in the past? What worked? Was it a positive means of coping? Are there any losses from the past that have not been resolved but may have arisen during this process and need to be worked through right now?
6. Seeking spiritual direction or counseling.
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